1) A-frame picking system
Utilized to facilitate the picking of a wide size and shape variety of individual items, the A-frame is extremely popular with drug and pharmaceutical distribution facilities. As the name implies, individual items are loaded or stacked in two rows of dispensing magazines (one or more magazines per item) that are arranged side-by-side, forming an "A-frame". A belt conveyor passes through the long tunnel created by the A-frame. As orders are filled, one at a time, items automatically dispensed from the bottom of selected magazines are kicked onto the belt conveyor, and then they are carried to the end of the tunnel where they fall into a tote. The tote is then transported by another conveyor to an order and/or packing station.
2) Micro-Load AS/RS
A type of automatic storage and retrieval system that handles small items that are typically contained in very small containers, totes or trays, with load weights typically less than 100 lbs. See also AS/RS .
3) Horizontal Carousels
As a storage device, a horizontal carousel consists of a fixed number of adjacent storage columns or bays that are mechanically linked to either an overhead or floor mounted drive mechanism to form a complete loop. Each column is divided into a fixed number of storage location or bins which in most applications are constructed of a welded wire frame. Loads consisting of containers or totes may be inserted and retrieved either manually or by an automatic inserter/extractor mechanism. However, rotation of the carousel, whereby a specific storage location is brought to the picking location, is almost always controlled automatically. See also Vertical Carousel , Vertical Lift Module , Rotary Rack , and/or AS/RS .
4) Mini-Load AS/RS
A type of automatic storage and retrieval system that handles loads that are typically contained in small containers or totes, with load weights typically falling in the100 to 500 lb. Range, and occasionally as much as 750 to 1000 lbs. See also AS/RS .
5) Vertical lift module
A Vertical Lift Module, or VLM is a storage system that consists of two parallel columns each of which is divided into fixed shelf locations that can hold a single storage module such as a tray or tote. The shelving locations are single deep. A tray or tote is inserted, extracted and transported between storage levels and picking locations via an elevator-like device with an automatic shuttle that travels up and down within the space between the storage columns. See also Carousels and/or AS/RS .
6) Unit Load AGV
A unit load AGV is a powered, wheel based transport vehicle that carries a discrete load, such as an individual item (e.g. a large roll of paper, coil of steel or automobile engine) or items contained on a pallet or in a tote or similar temporary storage medium. AGVs operate under computer control without the need for human operators or drivers. See also AGVS .
7) ESD tote
A tote or bin that is designed to dissipate electrostatic discharge via it's composition materials or configuration.
8) Tote
A container generally used for order-picking and shipping of items. Usually small in size and easily moved by hand or other lifting devices and designed to be durable and reusable.
9) Shuttles
Shuttles are used for the automated handling of totes, trays, cartons or all three in the same system – for either warehousing or manufacturing.